Lots of news over the past few days about a couple of auto designer’s favorite subjects; Audi and Ducati. It was a very international week in Auto Design as Ferrari opens a museum in Modena, Korea and Holland flex their auto design muscle, India has their first International Design Forum, and the news from Geneva keeps flowing, even as the show’s journalists have left and the public days end this week.

Audi has the enviable position of getting a high-marketing return on their technology investments. Now they have taken the next step in the process and started an online magazine to trumpet their accomplishments. The “magazine” is really a collection of videos discussing topics such as intelligent lighting and their future plans for using LEDs and lasers.

Design is a hot topic in the Korean Auto Industry these days. First, there is this article from The Korean Times identifying design as the driving force behind the recent sales gains. Along with that article is the fact that the Korean auto industry is older than most people give it credit for as the 1976 Hyundai Pony proves. While the Giugiaro-designed Pony occupies the top spot on the list, the recent Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata are the vehicles most will be familiar with. However, I cannot support the idea that the Kia Soul didn’t end up in one of the top positions.

Bentley isn’t the only manufacturer showing SUV design direction at Geneva – Nissan also showed their Hi-Cross Concept.According to Gizmag the Rogue-sized Hi-Cross looks like it is the forerunner of future production designs.

Geneva isn’t done yet

If you didn’t get a chance to go to Geneva (like me) there were plenty of places to see other people’s trip. here are some of the best:

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About Frank Schwartz

Frank Schwartz is the founder of CarFriend.me and Advanced Automotive Consulting Services, partner in The Middlecott Sketchbattle Experiment and serial entrepeneur. A long time automotive enthusiast, Frank started reading car magazines at the age of 8 and has spent 30+ years working inside the automotive industry. In his spare time Frank races with the Sports Car Club of America, spends time working on his numerous project cars and supports many local charities.